HB659 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Mike HillMac McCutcheonMike BallHoward SanderfordKerry RichTerri Collins

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Lifespan Respite Resource Network, established, Alabama Respite Coalition, established

Summary

HB659 would create a statewide Lifespan Respite Resource Network and Coalition to coordinate respite care for family caregivers and pursue federal funding.

What This Bill Does

It creates the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network (Alabama Respite) to address respite care needs and to coordinate the Alabama Lifespan Respite Coalition. It establishes the Alabama Lifespan Respite Coalition with broad membership and authority to coordinate statewide respite efforts and help the network compete for federal Lifespan Respite Care Act funding. It sets guidelines for how federal funds should be distributed and used to support lifespan respite programs, direct services, training, information, and caregiver assistance. It also requires identifying respite providers, maintaining a directory, providing information and referrals, offering voucher funding when available, and providing caregiver training through partnerships.

Who It Affects

• Family caregivers of children or adults with special needs who would receive respite care services, training, information, and possible voucher funding.
• Respite care providers and state/local agencies involved in delivering respite services, who would be identified, linked with caregivers, and eligible for funding through the program.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network (Alabama Respite) and establishes the Alabama Lifespan Respite Coalition to coordinate respite care and work with the Coalition.
• Coalition members are broadly defined and include government officials, state agencies, family caregivers, respite providers, and advocacy groups; members are appointed by the Governor and meet regularly.
• Authorizes the Coalition to coordinate statewide respite care efforts and to help the network compete for federal funding under the Lifespan Respite Act, with guidelines for how funds are distributed.
• The Network must identify respite providers, maintain a statewide directory, link caregivers with services, provide information/referral services, and offer voucher funding and caregiver training as funds allow.
• Requires collaboration with an eligible state agency and a Memorandum of Agreement to enable Alabama to compete for federal funding; funds can be used for program development, direct services, training, information, and caregiver assistance.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Lifespan Respite Resource Network